Matchweek 2 Review: The Gloom Stun NM Flagship in Albuquerque

by NFPL

MATCHWEEK 2 REVIEW:
Santa Fe Gloom Stuns New Mexico Flagship in Albuquerque

Saturday’s Matchweek 2 clash between New Mexico Flagship FC and Santa Fe Gloom was a game of two halves and one of the most thrilling contests of the season. For much of the night, Flagship looked in control, racing to a 5-1 lead by halftime, but the Gloom had other plans, rallying to an 11-8 victory in a game that will be remembered for their grit and determination.

The game began with Jonathanan Capacho and Axel Esparza combining to give Flagship the early lead. Shortly after, Julian Bustamante, assisted by Isai Rivas, responded for Santa Fe. However, Flagship’s attack was relentless in the first half, as Esparza, Carlos Gutierrez, and Luis Gonzalez all found the back of the net, with Gonzalez orchestrating much of the offense. Flagship went into the break with a commanding 5-1 lead, seemingly on cruise control.

The second half began much the same, with Gonzalez and Eduardo Saucedo stretching the lead to 7-3. But then the tide began to shift. Isai Rivas, who had been quietly setting up plays, began to take over. His goal and assist to Julian Bustamante cut the deficit to 7-5, giving Gloom a spark of hope.

Flagship answered briefly with Gonzalez setting up Christopher Santos, but from then on, it was all Gloom. Rivas combined with Peter Torres and Jesus Garcia to engineer an unanswered five-goal run. Torres’ creativity and Rivas’ clinical finishing proved too much for Flagship to handle. By the time Jaime Hernandez and Bustamante scored to put the game out of reach, the Albuquerque crowd was stunned.

This was a complete team effort by Santa Fe, led by Rivas’ extraordinary 4-goal, 4-assist performance. Torres contributed 2 goals and 2 assists, while Bustamante added 3 goals of his own, including the crucial first goal that began the comeback.

For Flagship, the early brilliance of Gonzalez (3 goals, 3 assists) and Esparza (1 goal, 2 assists) wasn’t enough to weather the storm. Their inability to defend against Santa Fe’s late surge cost them the match and left them wondering what could have been.

With the rivalry now tied at one win apiece, both teams turn to Southwest Conference play in January. If these two sides meet again, it will be in the playoffs—and based on the drama of this match, it’s a game no one will want to miss.

Full stats are available on the NFPL website. 

A LOOK AT THE TABLE AFTER MATCHWEEK 2:

All square in the Southwest as we enter 2025! Santa Fe’s comeback from 7-3 down and late-game dominance will likely go down as one of the most impressive performances of the season.

FOLLOW THE NFPL

Every game, every goal, every week - stream every game on the NFPL YouTube channel and follow along on our social media platforms to find highlights, league news, and more.